[Tao] n [Chin (Beijing) dao, lit., way] (1736) 1 a: the unconditional and unknowable source and guiding principle of all reality as conceived by Taoists b: the process of nature by which all things change and which is to be followed for a life of harmony
2. often not cap: the path of virtuous conduct as conceived by Confucians 3 often not cap: the art or skill of doing something in harmony with the essential nature of the thing "the ~ of archery"